Although HIV and AIDS gets more and more attention, there is still ignorance about who gets it and how people get it. A second problem is the stigma around it and the fear to talk openly about having HIV.

HIV/AIDS is a spectrum of diseases ranging from an initial infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that eventually degenerates into full-blown Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). By destroying the immune system, HIV gradually interferes with the body's innate ability to fight against infections and cancers.

You can protect yourself against HIV/AIDS in different ways. The most important risky behaviour is unprotected sex (vaginal, oral or anal). This is especially so with individuals with multiple unprotected sexual partners. The second thing you have to do to protect yourself is turn down unsafe transfusion with infected blood. Research has shown that recipients of infected blood eventually come down with HIV/AIDS in about 90% of cases. A third thing you better not do is sharing sharp objects like razor blades, hair clippers or shaving blades with other people, while this is actually common practice. But in the process of using some of these objects, cuts may result and are often overlooked which encourages contact with infected blood and facilitates spread of HIV. A fourth element to take into account is, People who inject drugs directly into their bloodstream are also at increased risk of contracting HIV. It's not uncommon for intravenous drug users to share the same needle and syringe or drug preparation. Understandably, if one person is infected with the virus, it can easily be transmitted to others. A last risky behaviour is the excessive consumption of alcohol. People who consume a lot of alcohol, will lose their sense of judgment and are more likely to indulge in a risky situation like mentioned above. In addition, excess alcohol has been shown to compromise the immune system and thereby speed up the natural progression of HIV/AIDS.